Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has issued a formal condemnation regarding the reaction of several EU member states to the recent migration surge in Ceuta. Following the arrival of approximately 60,000 migrants from Morocco, Sánchez characterized the responses from countries like Italy, Finland, and Denmark as selfish and unlawful. While Spain successfully restored border control within 48 hours, the diplomatic fallout continues as Italy has temporarily suspended its participation in the Schengen agreement with Spain.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska confirmed that the situation in the enclave is now stable. Businesses have resumed operations, and the majority of those who crossed the border have been returned. Despite this, the death toll from the influx stands at 67. Spain has reinforced its position with additional troops, police, and an inflatable maritime barrier to prevent further unauthorized entries. Sánchez emphasized that Ceuta does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Schengen area, making the suspension of the agreement by other nations a point of severe contention for the Spanish government.
The Spanish leadership is now pushing for an urgent meeting with EU interior ministers to emphasize that border security remains a shared responsibility. While 22 out of 27 EU nations have requested emergency talks, the friction between Madrid and other capitals underscores deep divisions over migration policy and territorial sovereignty. Sánchez maintains that trafficking gangs instigated the surge by misinterpreting a recent Supreme Court ruling, and he has requested full European cooperation to prevent future incidents. The UK government has also expressed support for Spanish efforts during this stabilization period.